Here in Covington Kentucky, All the Signs Are There

The River City News ran an interesting story this week about Downtown Covington, Kentucky and its rebirth. They are giving us 18 signs (well, actually 20) that the city is making a comeback. You can click here to read the story.

I’m pretty much agreeing with this. There is something in the air now—an energy—that wasn’t here when I moved to Covington three years ago—and here’s another positive sign.

Next month, Dollar Tree is going into that old Walgreens location on Madison Avenue. Now I know what some of you are saying or thinking. Covington doesn’t need a dollar store and/or it’s not the type of business that helps grow a city. I don’t look at it this way.

When Walgreens left their old location last October, my fear was that the building would sit vacant for years. Being vacant for only nine months isn’t bad and, in general, Dollar Tree stores have a good looking storefront and it is going to generate more foot traffic on Madison Avenue. That’s a good thing for any downtown area.

Look at me, being all positive and all. You know, it’s kind of nice to be living in a city that’s on the upswing.

11 comments on “Here in Covington Kentucky, All the Signs Are There”

I love the Dollar Tree store! I go over to the one in Newport all the time and you can find some pretty good deals there. Having one in Covington will save me a little time. Looking forward to that opening!

You’re right, Brian, there were a number of strip clubs on Madison back in the day but the city forced most of them out and now there aren’t any on Madison at all. I think the Venus Club is still there but not many exist.

If Covington is on the upswing, why are there still so many poor and homeless in the city? Take a look south of Fifth or Sixth street, and definitely south of 12th street for the sections of Covington that are NOT on the upswing.

I think Covington still has a way to go. Remember it still has a serious drug use problem and women are still selling their bodies and the homeless situation is still too much but I no longer think it has hit rock bottom. It is on the way up. The signs of life are there.